Driver Who Killed Pedestrian Buying Groceries for Friend’s Funeral Jailed
A shocking hit-and-run driver who mowed down a man out buying groceries for a friend’s funeral has been jailed for causing death by dangerous driving. Mohammed Muttaqabbir Miah, 26, from Camden, was sentenced to five years behind bars at Harrow Crown Court on Thursday, 9 January. He also received a four-year driving ban.
Tragic Crash Just Weeks After Passing Driving Test
The fatal incident took place on 29 September 2018 in Quex Road, NW6. Police were called at about 12:40pm after a car mounted the pavement and struck 60-year-old Diah Hamed Al-Safar, who was buying fruit and vegetables for funeral arrangements. Despite efforts by the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance, Mr Al-Safar later died from his injuries.
The hit-and-run driver fled the scene but was caught nearby. Miah, who had passed his driving test only two weeks earlier, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. After investigation by the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, it was confirmed the collision was not deliberate. Miah faced charges of causing death by dangerous driving, dangerous driving, and failing to stop.
Investigator’s Warning: Drive Carefully or Face Jail
“Miah drove dangerously leading to a tragic death,” said Detective Constable Sid Acharya. “Mr Al-Safar was simply going about his daily business when he was struck. The driver was speeding over the 20mph limit just weeks after passing his test. Luckily, no one else was seriously hurt.”
“This sentence should be a wake-up call to all drivers. Competent, lawful driving is a must — otherwise, you risk imprisonment.”
Family Left Devastated
Mr Al-Safar’s son, Ben Casey, gave a heartbreaking statement in court:
“Our lives have been shadowed by sadness since that horrendous day. Our father was the rock of our family — caring for his disabled wife and raising three children, the youngest only eight at the time.”
“He was out buying groceries to help with funeral plans for a friend’s brother, a kindness that tragically collided with his own death less than a week later.
“We have lost a loving father and friend. The future memories and happiness we should have shared have been stolen from us.”
The tragic case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of dangerous driving, especially for new drivers still finding their feet on the roads.
